Contestable Fund For New and Creative Business Events

Published on : Saturday, June 18, 2016

A new fund launched today by Christchurch Airport aims to encourage the development of new and creative incentive itineraries for the Canterbury region.

The new fund is for businesses in the conference and corporate incentive sector to develop new travel itineraries to encourage more visitors to the Canterbury region. Staff incentives are a popular way for businesses both in New Zealand and offshore to reward their staff and the aim is to get more of these types of incentive events coming to Canterbury and in turn adding to the economy.

The airport company says its Creative Events Fund is designed to encourage the development of innovative incentive travel products for both the domestic and Australian business events sector. These products will then be showcased and refined to buyers on both sides of the Tasman.

Chief Commercial Officer – Aeronautical, Justin Watson, says the idea builds on Christchurch’s position as a leader in business events and incentive travel product.

“We’re challenging Destination Management Companies (DMCs) to pitch the ultimate incentive package to us – a two or three day itinerary that makes the most of the unique attributes of Christchurch and Canterbury,” he says.

“Destinations like Hanmer Springs, Akaroa and Tekapo give them great material to work with, so we look forward to amazing pitches and then rewarding the creativity.”

Mr Watson says the five best incentive products selected by judges will each receive a grant of $5000 to assist with further developing and marketing product to draw business
visitors to Canterbury at non-peak times.

He says Christchurch Airport and Air New Zealand will then bring 10 corporate incentive buyers from Auckland, and five from Australia’s east coast, to Christchurch in October to
experience the five winning products in what promises to be a weekend of frivolity that will blow the visitors’ socks off.

“We fully expect to wow those out-of-town buyers during three action-packed days in Canterbury, so come on DMCs – let’s see what you can create.”

Further details and entry criteria are online here with entries due by 6pm July 31.